Growing Okra, also Ladyfinger, gumbo

Abelmoschus esculentus : Malvaceae / the mallow family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec

Not recommended for growing in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions

  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 14 - 24 inches apart
  • Harvest in 11-14 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peppers (Capsicum, Chili), Eggplant (Aubergine)

Your comments and tips

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24 Apr 18, Rast (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi.. You can get Okra from fruit and vegetables shops around jhb.. I get mine from Soweto diepkloof square Mall. It's good for diabetes.. And many other stuff.. Try it
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03 Mar 14, aruna (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
hi Loraine, You can buy them from any pick n pay, or Builders seed section. very easily available.
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11 Feb 14, chris (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi Loraine Visit the livingseeds.co.za website. Go to vegetable tab, then to unusual vegetable and their you will find okra seed. Regards Chris
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28 Jan 14, Trish (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Where do you find Okra in South Africa?
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22 Nov 13, Suzanne (USA - Zone 5a climate)
If we leave the okra we grew this year with several pods still on it will the seeds fall off and we'll have new plants in the spring?
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08 Oct 13, Rirhandzu (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What type of fertilizer would you recommend for Okra? Secondly, what are pests associated with Okra and how can one control them? Kind regards RIRHANDZU
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21 Jan 14, Masana (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
I use the organic fertilizer with Gypsum lime and the normal manure - i find Okra responds well to it. It grows stunted in other fertilizers i have tried in the past. Stink bugs and bollworms are common pests for Okra. I also use the organic pest control for these that i buy at Builder's Express.
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11 Sep 13, Rod (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I would like to try Okra as I am a type 2 diabetic and have heard it can really help, I live in Perth, is there any where I can buy the seeds or plants. Many thanks
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11 Mar 14, faina dobrenko (Australia - temperate climate)
eBay. I also just bought seedlings from Bunnings.
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25 Oct 13, (Australia - temperate climate)
Seeds are available in Reject shop and Bunnings. I´ve just seeded them directly to the soil. Grew immediately!
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- Liz

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